Don’t be too concerned if you get a lot of “looky-loos” who aren’t really interested in buying. People talk and there is honestly no better advertising than word-of-mouth.
OPEN HOUSE SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Not everyone who shows up to tour the home has home hunting on their mind. Making buyers feel at home is one thing. Openly inviting them to help themselves to your valuables is another. Pack up the jewelry, silver, computers, and other valuables and put them in the trunk of your car to stay safe with you as you drive away. There have been incidents over the years in which sellers and/or real estate agents have been harmed during open houses. It is extremely important to take all safety precautions seriously and to remain vigilant throughout the event. There is a certain amount of inherent risk when opening your home to strangers for tours. A professional real estate agent has been trained in security, and will handle security issues in your absence, since you will not likely be present for the open house if you are working with a Realtor®. However, if you’re going it alone, it’s important to recognize the risks and take precautions. As each potential buyer arrives, introduce yourself and ask them to sign in on a sign-in sheet. This gives you time to assess their appearance and determine whether or not they are a legitimate potential buyer or pose a threat to you. Inform your neighbors of the open house and ask them to drop by and invite any buyers who they think might be interested. Not only is this an added layer of protection, but also a marketing strategy. Having the neighbors present gives potential buyers a chance to check out the neighborhood vibe.
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